Miracle of Islam: Excavation of the Graves of true Companions of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Though in normal cases and circumstances the dead bodies in the grave decompose and disintegrate yet there are proofs where the dead bodies of martyrs, prophets and saints have been found intact when their graves were dug.

In 1932 A.D. (1351 A.H.) the then ruling King of Iraq Shah Faisal I, dreamt that he was being addressed by Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra), who said:

"O King! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari and me from the bank of river Tigris and bury us at some safe place because my grave is already water-logged, (full of water) while Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari's grave is slowly getting water-logged."

This dream was repeated again the next night but King Faisal I, did not pay attention to it on account of his pre-occupation with state affairs. On the third night Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was seen in the dream by the grand Mufti of Iraq. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) said to the grand Mufti: "I have been directing the king since two nights to transfer our Bodies but he has not paid any heed. Tell him emphatically to arrange for the transfer of our graves!"

So after discussing this matter, the King, his Prime Minister and the Grand Mufti decided to carry out this work. It was decided that the Grand Mufti should issue a fatwa (religious ruling) on this matter and the Prime Minister will issue statement to the press, so that the public may know about this great event. It was declared that on 10th Zulhijjah after noon prayers the graves shall be opened and the holy bodies shall be transferred to another place.

As it was Hajj season, pilgrims had gathered in Makkah. They requested King Faisal I, to postpone the event for a few days so that they all could attend the event after performing the Hajj. Hence, the King postponed this event to 20th Zulhijjah.

After noon prayers, on 20th Zulhijjah 1351 A.H. a large number of Muslims and non-Muslims gathered in Baghdad, and the city was heavily crowded. First when the grave of Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was opened water was fond inside. The body was lifted with a crane in such a way that it safely came on a stretcher. Then the stretcher was lifted by the King, the Grand Mufti, the Prime Minister and Prince Farooq of Egypt and brought to a glass coffin box made especially to keep the holy bodies. The body of Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was also transferred to the glass box in the same scrupulous manner.

The most marvelous spectacle was now seen by the huge crowd that had gathered to witness this great event. Both the holy bodies of these true companions (Sahabah) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin, clothes were also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if these heroes of Islam were alive. The two bodies were then taken away and buried afresh near the grave of another great hero of Islam, Hazrat Salman-e-Farsi (ra), in Salman Park which is 30 miles from Baghdad. This miracle amazed the scientists, philosophers and doctors. They were all bewildered and spellbound to witness this great miracle.

A German physiologist who had been showing a lot of interest in this was so impressed by the conditions of the bodies, which were buried for more than a thousand years, that he immediately came to the Grand Mufti, held up his hands and said, "What more evidence can there be in support of Islam. I embrace Islam so teach me about it!" Thus before thousands of people this German doctor became a Muslim. His example was followed by many Christians and Jews and for a long time it continued in Baghdad and a large number of people became Muslims as a result of this miracle.

Now let us all sit-back and think over this event and derive a lesson from this miracle. Pondering over such events is potent food for the mind and serves as an eye-opener to humanity. Some of the material above was published in a Pakistani newspaper, "Daily Jung" on 7th June 1970.

Let us now briefly look into the lives of these prominent personalities.

Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra)

Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was one of the most trusted companions (Sahabah) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and a near associate of Imam Ali (as). He was one of those seven persons who joined the funeral prayers of Bibi Fatemah (sa). There are several instances in history where Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) has proved steadfast in his loyalty to our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) had responded to the Prophet's call in battle of Trench (Khandaq) when Prophet Muhammad (saw) had promised Paradise to the person who would venture out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying their activities. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was known as "the possessor of the Secret", since Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) had revealed to him the names and specific identity of those hypocrites who intended to kill him on his return journey from Tabuk, but had strictly instructed him not to disclose the secret. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was appointed governor of Madain (which is a place near Baghdad, Iraq) by Caliph Omar and held that post for many years. He was holding that post till Imam Ali (as) assumed the Caliphate. Imam Ali (as) then sent a letter to the people of Madain, informing them of his Caliphate and that Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) would continue to be the governor of Madian. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) died just before the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried in Madain.

Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra)

Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was also one of the most exalted companions (Sahabah) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was in the forefront in 18 battles, under the banner of Islam. Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was blessed enough to have met all the Imams up to Imam Mohammad Baqir (as) in his lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (as) has said: "Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari was the last survivor amongst the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra), on hearing about the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions and the imprisonment and humiliation of the surviving members of his family, hastened towards Karbala with his devoted friends and followers and buried the martyrs there. He was the first person to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala and carry out their burial rites. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) once told Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) that, he would live long enough to come across a person whose name would be Mohammad Baqir and he will resemble the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) in appearance and values. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) to convey his Salaams to this man. Throughout his life Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was waiting eagerly to meet our Imam Mohammad Baqir (as). Finally, when Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) did meet the Holy Imam he was very old but very happy and he conveyed the Prophet Muhammad's (saw) Salaam to the Imam Mohammad Baqir (as). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) did not live long after that. He was tortured by Hajjaj bin Yusuf and it is reported that molten lead was poured on the hands of Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) by the tyrant. Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was 94 years old when he left this world for the heavenly abode in 78 A.H. He was also buried in Madain.

Thus let us send our gift of Sure Fatiha for these two brilliant graduates from the school of Prophet hood, who devoted all their efforts in safeguarding our religion. Let us not forget their invaluable contribution to keep the flame of Islam kindled in our hearts. And pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) to help us follow their footsteps and elevate our level of Imaan.

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